Jones, one of Americaâ€™s most versatile drivers, won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 1963 and 1964 in a Mercury Marauder set up as a U.S. Auto Club stock car. GrÃ¶nholm, a two-time World Rally Car champion, and Eriksson, a four-time Swedish Rally champion, will tackle the 87th edition of â€œThe Race to the Cloudsâ€ in a pair of supercharged Ford Fiestas.

Despite their impressive rally credentials, GrÃ¶nholm and Eriksson have spent this week in and around Colorado Springs, Colo., adjusting to the serpentine 12.42-mile course and thin air as bonafide rookies. Jones, the 1963 Indianapolis 500 champion, suggested that was a wise approach.